Stepping up
campaign
over health

Published:17:00Saturday 31 December 2011

HAMBLETON residents are being encouraged to ‘Get Active’ in 2012 and reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, some cancers, strokes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and some forms of diabetes.

Members of walking group, the Hambleton Strollers, say inactivity is the biggest risk factor for heart disease - higher than cholesterol, smoking and blood pressure.

Around 63 percent of men and 75 percent of women are not getting enough exercise - around 150 minutes a week – and cost the health service across Yorkshire £15.27 each.

Paul Fisher, Manager Age UK, North Yorkshire, said: “The cheapest and least stressful way of getting exercise is to go walking – all you need is a good pair of shoes and some warm clothes if out in the winter.

“And if you don’t want to walk alone the Hambleton Strollers is the group to join.”

The Strollers run regular walk leader lead walks around the market towns of Hambleton.

They are all around an hour or less and no one is left behind. If an hour is too much at first there is always a shorter route and a trained walk leader to see you to the end.

Paul Fisher said: “We aim is to get people who do not usually walk, walking. Around 1500 people have used Strollers walks to get themselves going over the 10 years the scheme has been in place.

“Many have gone on to walk longer distances, go on walking holidays, join other groups. We have even had marriages! All have found the social side of the walks beneficial.”

l The group has just launched its walk schedule for the new year – details are available from libraries, Hambleton District Council offices, tourist information sites, GP surgeries and Age UK Northallerton.